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Crown Point State Historic Site

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Address
21 Grandview Drive
Crown Point, NY 12928
  Saratoga/Capital District Region
Latitude 44.024853
Longitude -73.424377
  Directions


Crown Point State Historic Site is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of the ruins of two fortifications from the colonial wars between the British and French. Long before the American Revolution these colonial powers both laid claim to the Champlain Valley and this strategically important peninsula known as Crown Point. The French built Fort St. Frederic here between 1734 and 1737 and used it as a base for raids on British settlements in New York and New England. As a result, the British mounted various expeditions to take control of Crown Point, and in 1759 they were finally successful. They immediately began construction of new fortifications that they called "His Majesty's Fort of Crown Point". Enclosing over seven acres this was one of the largest built by the British in North America.

In 1775, at the outbreak of the Revolutionary War, the American colonists captured the fort and secured sorely needed cannons and heavy ordnance. Crown Point was occupied by General John Burgoyne's army in 1777 after the American evacuation to Mount Independence and remained under British control until the end of the war. The ruins of Fort St. Frederic, "His Majesty's Fort of Crown Point," and surrounding lands were acquired by the State of New York in 1910.

Today, visitors can explore the preserved ruins of these forts and tour the museum which includes a multimedia orientation program, large scale models, and an exhibit of original artifacts recovered from the site by archaeologists. Additionally, the site offers access to the historic Crown Point Pier, the Champlain Memorial Lighthouse, the walking paths on either side of the newly constructed Lake Champlain Bridge, and fantastic views of Lake Champlain. Tours for school and adult groups, as well as outreach programs, are available by reservation.

Crown Point Campground, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation: Open May 16 - Oct 12. Reserve through Reserve America. Information can be found on the campground website or 518-597-3603.

Pet Policy
Dogs on a leash - not exceeding six feet in length. Not permitted in buildings, camping, and picnic areas except where needed as a seeing eye, guide dog (service dog). Proof of license, tags, and a valid rabies vaccination must be demonstrated. Carry in/carry out policy for dog waste

Hours of Operation

  • Grounds are open from Sunrise to Sunset, Year-round, free of charge.
  • The Crown Point State Historic Site Museum is open from 10 AM to 5 PM, Wednesdays through Sundays between May 11, 2025 – October 19, 2025. Please call (518) 597-3666 for more information. 
  • The Picnic Pavilion at Crown Point State Historic Site is open and available for reservations from May 17, 2025 through October 13, 2025. Reservations must be made through ReserveAmerica.com.
  • Guided Walking Tours of Crown Point State Historic Site are offered at 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, Wednesday through Sunday, weather and conditions permitting, from mid-May through late October. Pre-registered groups and special events may affect tour schedules and availability. Tours gather at the site museum, and explore the earth and stone ruins of two 18th century forts and highlight the strategic importance of the Crown Point peninsula in the 18th century, all against the scenic backdrop of Lake Champlain and the eastern Adirondacks.

Fees & Rates

  • Admission
  • $5 Adults
    $4 Seniors/Veterans
    Children 12 and under free
    $35 Buses
  • Empire Pass

  • Empire Pass is NOT sold here

  • Pavilion Information
  • Crown Point has one pavilion. Accommodate up to 50 people. ADA accessible (2 tables). 3 charcoal grills available/10 picnic tables. Carry in, carry out policy in place. $50/day plus $7.25 reservation fee. Reservations can be made through ReserveAmerica.com. Please contact the site with questions or special requests.

    To make a reservation within seven days of your arrival date, please call the site directly at 518-597-3666

Maps

Digital Maps

New! Download this park's digital map to your iOS Apple and Android device.

Key BCA Criteria:

- Migratory concentration site

- Diverse species concentration site

- Bird research site

Since 1976, a bird banding station has operated at Crown Point, during which time over 126,000 birds across 110 species have been recorded. The Crown Point Bird Conservation Area is part of the Crown Point State Historic Site. Over 200 species have been observed at the Crown Point BCA. Many of these are spring migrants with 47 species of Neotropical migratory songbirds and 18 species of forest dwelling Neotropical migrants having been observed in spring.

Due to the location under the Atlantic Flyway, the site is a premiere location for viewing birds migrating north for the season. Watch as this experienced team of citizen scientists net hundreds of birds, identify species and record their songs. Viewing tables are set enabling the public to observe the banders at work. Stop by and see nature at its most mysterious in action.

Download a copy of the BCA map.

Sat 03 May
Bird Banding
Saturday, May 3, 2025 until Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Crown Point State Historic Site
Crown Point's Bird Banding Station will begin operations on May 3, 2025 and continue through May 16th. Originally launched in 1975, migrating birds have been monitored at Crown Point in early May ever year for the past 50 years. Members of the public are encouraged to visit and learn about this citizen science project, and to help celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Banding Station at Crown Point. The Bird Banding Station is open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Thu 08 May
Syracuse University Crown Point Archaeological Field-School
Thursday, May 8, 2025 07:00 AM - 01:00 PM
Crown Point State Historic Site
The historic site will host the second-annual Syracuse University Crown Point Archaeological Field school between May 8th and May 22nd. Come visit the historic site and stop by the excavation site to learn more about science of archaeology and see an active archaeological dig. Regular field school hours are 7 AM to 1 PM, Monday-Saturday. Hours may vary depending on weather and other circumstances.
Sun 11 May
250th Anniversary of the Capture of Crown Point
Sunday, May 11, 2025
Crown Point State Historic Site
Crown Point kicks off the site's commemoration of the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution on Sunday, May 11, 2025! On May 11, 1775, Seth Warner led a group of Green Mountain Boys to capture Crown Point, only three weeks after the American Revolution began at Lexington and Concord. This early victory secured cannons and artillery for the revolutionary cause and helped establish American control of Lake Champlain early in the war. On Sunday, May 11, 2025, Crown Point will mark the anniversary of this crucial victory, with an encampment of Seth Warner's Regiment representing the Green Mountain Boys and the opening of new exhibits in the historic site museum. The new exhibits include the interactive Revisit the Revolution kiosk, which highlights themes, stories, and locations associated with Revolutionary War. The day will include performances by 18th Century musicians and a focus tour about Crown Point in the American Revolution. Local historical organizations will also be on site to talk about ways to commemorate the American Revolution in the years to come.
Thu 22 May
Syracuse University Crown Point Archaeological Field-School
Thursday, May 22, 2025 07:00 AM - 01:00 PM
Crown Point State Historic Site
The historic site will host the second-annual Syracuse University Crown Point Archaeological Field school between May 8th and May 22nd. Come visit the historic site and stop by the excavation site to learn more about science of archaeology and see an active archaeological dig. Regular field school hours are 7 AM to 1 PM, Monday-Saturday. Hours may vary depending on weather and other circumstances.
Fri 23 May
Community Archaeology Program
Friday, May 23, 2025
Crown Point State Historic Site
(518) 597-4666

Crown Point State Historic Site is seeking volunteers to assist with an archaeological excavation on the site grounds. Volunteers will be excavating earthen mounds that remain from a previous project conducted in the 1960s. The mounds contain soil removed from areas around the 18th century fortifications and were never processed or sifted for artifacts. Participants can expect to dig through, sift, and process material culture and artifacts left behind by the soldiers and civilians who lived at Crown Point in the mid-1700s. No previous archaeological experience is necessary. Volunteers will be trained in archaeological techniques on-site and can expect a moderate amount of physical labor including digging, lifting, and carrying. Interested volunteers can contact the historic site at (518) 597-4666.
Registration: Required

Amenities Information

  • Amenities
  • Biking
  • Hiking
  • Picnic Area (Accessible)
  • Snowshoeing/X-Country Skiing * Ice Fishing also available in winter
  • Tours * Guided and Self-Guided Tours
  • Tours (Accessible) * Living History Events
  • Visitor Center (Accessible)

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